PlaneWave CDK20 Telescope (f/6.8)
Starting Price: $39,000.00
Price as Configured: $39,000.00
Price as Configured: $39,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-200104Q
The CDK20 from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted with precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for dedicated astrophotographers and discerning astronomers. With its robust design and advanced features, the CDK20 is well-suited for various advanced observational and scientific applications, consistently delivering high-quality images.
The CDK20 f/6.8 stands out with its impressive specifications and features:
- 20-inch (508 mm) aperture
- 3454 mm focal length
- f/6.8 focal ratio
- 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Perfectly flat field across the entire 52mm image circle
- No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid before the telescope will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
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Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio
The CDK20 f/6.8 features a significant 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides excellent light-gathering capabilities and a wide field of view, enhancing its ability to capture detailed images of deep-sky objects for astrophotography and research purposes.
Advanced Optical Design
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK20 offers unmatched image clarity. It eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are crisp and detailed across the entire field of view, requiring minimal post-processing.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK20 is both durable and lightweight. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, which is ideal for extended observing sessions under diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK20 maintains precise optical alignment and exceptional surface accuracy, even during temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings improve light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope's performance for specialized observational tasks.
Thermal Management
The CDK20 has cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help reduce air turbulence within the tube, thus minimizing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
The telescope includes advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures optical surfaces remain free from condensation in humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its large image circle and exceptional field flatness, the CDK20 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The stable and precise imaging capabilities of the CDK20 make it an invaluable asset for academic institutions and observatories engaged in sophisticated astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.
Visual Observations
The CDK20 excels in visual observation, providing bright and clear views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. Its large aperture and superior optical quality deliver stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a memorable experience. Here's the updated article adapted for the CDK17 based on the features and specifications from the provided product page:
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK20 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.
